Winter can be quite brutal when it wants to flex its muscles. One ailment that arises as a result of this is seqi, or chillblains, which affects a considerable amount of Maltese people.
Caused by repeated exposure to cold (but not freezing) weather as well as damp conditions (hey there humidity, how are ya?), seqi is the painful inflammation of small blood vessels in your skin. Although not deadly, the condition can prove a nuisance to those inflicted, with sufferers experiencing any, or all, of these: severe itching, burning sensations, swelling, blistering and irritated skin. Most often seen on fingers, toes, ears and the nose, rare cases can also see it affect the cheeks and hips, among other places.
While there are many solutions available at pharmacies, one traditional home remedy can prove just as effective. Surprisingly, it is the hurrieq, a.k.a. stinging nettle, that harbours the best healing powers. The plant is readily available in Maltese countryside and can be collected to create a solution.
Once cleaned from any soil or residue, the hurrieq can be popped into a pan with some water and left to boil. By that time, the water will have turned green, a shade not dissimilar to a nettle tea brew (check image below). The plant is then separated from the water and the solution left to cool. Although it doesn't have to reach room temperature before it can be used, it is important that the water is not scalding hot when applied, as sudden and excessive heat can make the situation worse rather than better.
The solution can then be applied directly to all afflicted areas, and in the case of fingers and toes, you can leave them to soak in the nettle-infused water for a few minutes. Housewives in the olden days recommended that the solution be used twice a day until the seqi clears up, which shouldn't take longer than a few days. What's especially great about this is not just the hurrieq's healing properties but the fact that the solution is expected to last for a short amount of time, meaning one big pot of boiled stinging nettle water can last you long enough to see you cured. Win win!
Try it out for yourself!